We have arrived safely to Phnom Penh, Cambodia and found ourselves settling into our new routine for month 2! We are working with Cambodia Mission Outreach, visit their website at: www.cambodianmissionoutreach.org. They have a school for children pre-k through 5th grade during the day with around 200 students and teach English classes at night. There are around150 students who come in the evenings with ages ranging from 15-30. They also have a church and large youth group as well.
We have found ourselves in the role of English teachers and are trying to embrace this new profession. Many of you who know us know that English is not my strong suit, and that 200 kids running around is a little stressful for me. And although Justin is extremely smart, he still has trouble knowing how to “teach” 20 four year olds for 30 minutes. But, like I said, we are nevertheless embracing this ministry, and loving it! We are quickly learning and serving the best ways we know how. Each morning starts with the little ones!! We each have our own classrooms full of little 3, 4, or 5 year olds who are so stinkin cute, as well as loud, rowdy, and a little overwhelming at times. Then Justin moves on to 2nd grade while I teach 5th. The Cambodia teachers here speak very little english so we are basically on our own. Then in the evenings we teach adults, who are very willing to learn but know very little english. I never realized how valuable an education is, as well as just being taught the little things in life… like how to tie your shoe or how to brush your teeth. We would never know had we not been taught. I am reminded of this fact daily.
Oddly enough Cambodian’s like to celebrate valentines day as much as Americans. So although me and Justin are not usually big fans of Valentine’s day, we were this year!! Several of my 5th grade students brought me candy that they had so beautifully wrapped in notebook paper, Justin received a heart sucker from one of his older students, as well as one million hugs! Instead of class monday night we got all of the students together for a special Valentines day program. Basically it was just a time for us to be funny and for them to laugh. We did a skit, played a funny game, sang funny songs, and ended the night with dancing!! Complete with Justin Beiber (they love him!!), what seemed like hours of the Macarena, and the Cha Cha slide. We were also able to share a little about God’s love at the end of the night!! The night was full of sweating, singing and laughing which are always good combinations!
To view our pictures thus far of Cambodia please visit the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030017&id=160200898&l=aa17eef520http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2030017&id=160200898&l=aa17eef520
